NFC South Notebook: Drew Brees set to return, Panthers sticking with Kyle Allen

Drew Brees is aiming to return while Cam Newton will sit out at least one more week in Week 9.

All three of the one-time All-Pro quarterbacks in the NFC South are on the mend heading into Week 8. One is preparing to return, one will sit out at least one more week and one is still questionable with a couple days left before the weekend.

The one that's likely to return is New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. He's missed the last five games with a thumb injury and all the Saints have done without him is go 5-0.

The Saints will face the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, and while they can't take the Cardinals, who are on a three-game winning streak, lightly, it's interesting Brees is coming back before originally expected, especially when considering the Saints have a bye in Week 9.

If Brees sat one more game, then he would have two additional weeks to heal before facing the Falcons. 

With how well Teddy Bridgewater has played, the Saints had to have considered getting Brees that extra rest. If he does indeed return, to me that signifies that Brees is 100 percent healthy already.

In Carolina, the Panthers are going to stick with their undefeated backup quarterback Kyle Allen. He's led the team to a 4-0 mark and has yet to throw an interception.

With how well Allen has played combined with the struggles of Cam Newton the first two weeks of the year, this isn't all that much of a surprise. Allen might just keep the job away from the 2015 NFL MVP. For now, though, the Panthers are saying Newton still has more rehabbing to do.

As for the Falcons, Matt Ryan didn't practice Wednesday, and the team is preparing a game plan that includes Matt Schaub at quarterback against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Having said that, Ryan wasn't expected back at practice because of his ankle injury until late in the week, and Atlanta is also preparing a game plan with Ryan as the starter this Sunday.

Stay tuned to SI.com/nfl/Falcons this weekend for more details on Ryan. The team will likely keep its quarterback situation under wraps as long as possible, but the good news is there is hope Ryan will be able to play.